"Thanks to my treatment I can proudly say today that I have begun the process of taking control of my life," Ford said. "But folks, this is a long, long road to recovery."

He said he will continue to seek treatment and thanked GreeneStone's staff "for giving me the power to change my life."

Ford also found time to applaud his actions as mayor before he spun out of control and was allegedly videotaped on drunken benders and even admitted to smoking crack cocaine.

"I am extremely proud of my public record," Ford said. "Toronto's economy is booming. We are creating jobs and building our city. We have a beautiful, clean city that is one of the greatest places in the world to live and do business."

For now, Ford plans to focus on gaining the city's trust again.

"I plan to continue fighting for the taxpayers of Toronto every single day," he said. "But over the coming months my top priority will be rebuilding trust with the public and with fellow members of council."